Help. I'm a little concerned about my lodging in Paris for my father 14 yr old daughter trip. I reserved Hotel Minerve on 13 rue de Escoles. Price in within my budget at about 100 euros a night. Anyone know it?

After reserving it I found a review that raves about it and another that basically said run away. Ah!

Anyone know it?

It gets pretty good reviews on www.tripadvisor.com. Have you checked out those reviews?

Another reviews are at www.bookings.com. What I saw there were what one would expect from hotels at that price range: noise, tiny elevator, tiny room, etc. Not much out of ordinary for offerings in that price range. It's not a bad location to attractions but on a busy street.

Dan, any hotel that charges 100 euros is bound to be a big hit w/some who feel that they are getting more for their money and a big bust w/some who imagined that they would get *more* than just a budget hotel while still paying a budget price. By this I mean that I would not be surprised if bad reviews came from someone w/unrealistic expectations. Go with the preponderance of the opinions when making your decision. There will ALWAYS be at least one someone who pans just about any place......

PS, If you are reserving in that price range b/c that is your budget, no problems at all. If you are choosing that only for the purpose of saving money when your budget is really more flexible, then in that case, IMO, you have a greater chance to be disappointed or dissatisfied w/the place.

The twin beds are likely to be very, very close to each other.

If you'd like a little more privacy, Hotel Clément and other medium-priced hotels have suites and triple rooms.

My niece and I stayed in a suite at the Clément, essentially a small single room and a smallish double, one bath, tiny entance "hall". Price is more, about 160-175€ but the extra space and privacy were wonderful.

www.hotelclementparis.com

We had friends who stayed there years ago and had no complaints about noise. Closed windows eliminate street noises. Another friend stayed there more recently and was happy with the choice. The rooms are small.

I love people who complain about "small elevators." I would love to see a review some day saying "the elevators are very roomy and contain lounge furniture."

Thanks everyone. I'm expecting small rooms and we have shared a two person tent in the woods many times - not a problem. We are just looking for clean and safe mostly. We will probably just sleep and shower there.

On to the next question. We come in on the Eurostar, which I believe comes into Paris at the Gare du Nord station. What's the best way to get to the hotel, Taxi or metro? My daughter has an embarrassingly large piece of luggage. ( in her defense she's been over a month and packed for such.) while I will travel lighter, I may bring the big bag to ensure we have room for souvenirs. Big clumsy luggage for Americans who speak no French. Sounds fun right? Taxi?

Taxi for sure, unless daughter is prepared to lug it up endless Metro stairs by herself. Excellent life lesson to be learned here.

The hotel room may have no dedicated space for your luggage, so be prepared to move around them.

Addendum: Your hotel on rue des ECOLES (note the spelling) is in a great location. My wife and I spent June in an apartment right at the Cardinal Lemoine metro, very close to your hotel. It is a vibrant place, convenient to many tourist attractions, and with many dozens of ethnic and moderate eating places nearby.

Take a taxi from Gare du Nord. You will have no trouble getting one, as they are lined up out front. Just be careful, as that is a haven for pickpockets.

I would take the taxi.

The taxis are not in the front, go out that way and you may be accosted by rogue taxis drivers.

As you get off Eurostar, head toward the station the turn right and go out that exit, marked TAXIS. The line can be very long but it moves quickly.

We-vestayed twice withim the last year at the Minerve. Our room was a moderate size, the ara is great for transport, breakfast very good and substantial, pleasant staff nice lobby,good cafes and services nearby--bank and laundry,2 metro lines . W plan on staying there again this yar. Small elevator but I don't spend time in the eleavator I just take it to get to my room!!!

Try Buisson Ardent and Bistro des Gastronomes , and Terrior Parisian for excellent food and quite near the Minerve!

Definitely taxi and directions to taxi lines are easy to spot everywhere. Rogue drivers are also everywhere...... Comment above about lines moving quickly, are accurate. Last time we arrived by train in Paris in October, it was raining quite heavily and still the line moved right along.

Awesome. That's guys! I assume best way to airport when we leave is also taxi.

The hotel might have an arrangement with a shuttle service that charges a bit less than taxis. I stayed next door at the Familia (same owners as the Minerve) some years ago with my daughter, and there was a shared shuttle that you could arrange through the front desk.

With large and awkward luggage, I would not take the bus or RER to the airport.

Lots of dining options in all ranges in your neighborhood, I really like that area. I second the recommendation for Le Buisson Ardent, very nice.